Mechanical and Metallurgical Properties Assessment for High Strength AA2024 After Annealing Heat Treatment

Abstract

In the present investigation, the impact of the annealing procedure on the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the 2024 alloy, was studied. To assess the metallurgical, a bending test was conducted, while the mechanical and metallurgical properties were analyses through tensile, hardness, microstructure, and corrosion tests. The test specimens were annealed by heating them to 300 and 400°C in an electrical furnace for two hours, followed by cooling to room temperature. The results showed a decrease of about 40% in the tensile strength and hardness. However, the bending strength increased by roughly 25%, and the specimens were able to bend at a high angle without cracking or breaking, unlike the base metal. The annealing heat treatment stabilized the microstructure and released the second phase precipitate particles. Consequently, the annealing process, when carried out at suitable procedures and temperatures, enhanced the metallurgical, ductility, and corrosion resistance of the Al 2024 alloy.